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Working in Retirement: What the 2026 Social Security Earnings Limits Mean

SSA explains who faces withholding before full retirement age versus who can earn freely.

Overview

  • Starting the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your Social Security benefits.
  • Full retirement age is set by birth year, and it is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
  • Before full retirement age in 2026, benefits are temporarily reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above $24,480 if you will not reach full retirement age that year.
  • In the year you reach full retirement age but before your birthday month in 2026, benefits are reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above $65,160.
  • Withheld benefits are not lost, and working—especially after full retirement age—can raise your payment because Social Security calculates benefits using your 35 highest-earning years.